Price Guide for 1868 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.75 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.50 – $680.00Uncirculated: $981.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 – $1,430.00Uncirculated: $253.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayCirculated: $95.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $665.00 – $1,093.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $44,062.50
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eBayUncirculated: $591.20 – $3,561.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $870.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,999.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00Uncirculated: $2,640.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,380.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $763.75Uncirculated: $3,600.00 – $5,040.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,920.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $228.00
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eBayCirculated: $391.11
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,005.50 – $6,613.00Uncirculated: $748.00 – $37,375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $866.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21,275.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Half Dollar
The 1868 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1836 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. The design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s stability and endurance through challenging times.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco), P (Philadelphia, no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1868 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Due to their age and circulation, high-grade examples are extremely rare. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are highly sought after by collectors and can command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many coins from this era suffer from weak strikes. Specimens with full, sharp details are more desirable. The presence of original luster also greatly enhances value, especially for the San Francisco mint coins which often have subdued luster due to the minting process.
Mintage: 417,600
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,160,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Toning can play a significant role in the value of 1868 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more valuable than those without. However, the toning must be appealing and not detract from the coin’s details.
The San Francisco mintage, while higher, is often found more heavily circulated than its Philadelphia counterpart. As a result, high-grade S-mint examples can be more valuable despite the higher mintage.
Collectors should be aware of cleaned or damaged specimens, which are less desirable and valuable. Authentication is also crucial, as high-value examples of this date have been targeted by counterfeiters.
